2027 Presidency: HURIWA Urges Candidates to Abandon Hate Speech, Campaign on Development

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on presidential candidates in the 2027 general elections to use the campaign period to present clear policy proposals and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges instead of relying on hate speech, ethnic mobilisation and religious sentiments.

HURIWA said the commencement of the presidential campaign should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to have a serious conversation about the country’s future and assess what each candidate intends to do differently if elected.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Wednesday, the organisation urged candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns with restraint, civility and respect for the rights of political opponents.

The group said Nigerians should demand more than campaign slogans and manifestos, insisting that candidates explain how their policies would be funded, implemented and measured.

According to HURIWA, major issues that should dominate the 2027 presidential campaign include national unity, poverty reduction, employment, economic stability, industrialisation, security, human rights, constitutionalism and the rule of law.

HURIWA demands economic blueprints
On the economy, the rights group challenged presidential candidates to provide detailed plans for transforming Nigeria from an import-dependent, consumption-driven economy into one centred on production, manufacturing, agriculture, technology and value addition.

It urged candidates to explain how they would tackle inflation, create jobs, support small businesses, attract investment and provide an environment where industries can thrive.

HURIWA also called for specific industrialisation plans for all 36 states, arguing that each state has economic resources and comparative advantages that could be developed to generate employment and increase internally generated revenue.
The organisation further urged candidates to explain how they would attract genuine foreign direct investment while protecting Nigeria’s national interests.

HURIWA also demanded detailed strategies for tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.
It called for stronger cooperation among the military, police, intelligence agencies and other security institutions, while urging presidential candidates to support counter-narcotics efforts by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The organisation also challenged candidates to clearly state their positions on police reform and the development of functional policing institutions at both federal and state levels.

According to HURIWA, policing must be professional, adequately funded, accountable and protected from partisan political control.
It warned security agencies against becoming tools for intimidating political opponents and called for zero tolerance for political thuggery, electoral violence and intimidation.

Rights, democracy and gender equality
The rights group urged presidential candidates to make firm commitments to protecting fundamental human rights and strengthening the rule of law.

It also called for greater independence of the legislature, saying effective checks and balances between the executive and legislative arms are essential for a functioning democracy.

On gender equality, HURIWA urged candidates to present measurable policies aimed at improving opportunities for women and other historically underrepresented groups in politics, employment, education and commerce.

The organisation said women should not be treated simply as campaign audiences and forgotten once elections are over.
Campaign regulation and climate change
HURIWA also raised concerns about political billboard regulations, warning against excessive charges that could unfairly restrict opposition parties from communicating with voters.

While acknowledging the authority of state governments to regulate outdoor advertising, it called for reasonable, transparent and non-discriminatory fees.
The organisation equally urged political parties to respect environmental regulations and avoid indiscriminate dumping of campaign materials, destruction of public infrastructure and obstruction of roads.
It said climate change and disaster preparedness should also feature prominently in the 2027 presidential debate.
HURIWA challenged candidates to outline policies addressing flooding, erosion, drought, extreme weather and other climate-related threats.

It called for stronger early-warning systems, flood control, improved urban planning, environmental protection, emergency response mechanisms and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Foreign policy should drive investment
On foreign affairs, HURIWA urged presidential candidates to explain how they would strengthen Nigeria’s influence in Africa and use diplomacy to advance the country’s economic interests.

The group said foreign policy should be linked to attracting investment, increasing exports, promoting Nigerian businesses internationally and protecting Nigerians living and working abroad.

‘A campaign of ideas, not division’
HURIWA urged political parties, candidates and supporters to resist attempts to exploit Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and regional differences for electoral advantage.

“The Nigerian people deserve a campaign of ideas, not a campaign of hatred; a campaign of development, not a campaign of division; and a campaign of accountability, not a campaign of propaganda,” the organisation said.

It also called on the media, civil society groups, professional organisations, religious institutions and voters to demand issue-based debates and scrutinise candidates’ records, competence, character and policy proposals.

HURIWA said Nigerians should look beyond rallies and political theatrics and carefully examine what each candidate intends to achieve, how the plans would be financed and when Nigerians could expect results.
The organisation said the 2027 election should ultimately focus on Nigerians’ right to live in a secure, prosperous, democratic and rights-respecting country.